Thoughtful planning and consultation is the first step in building a custom woven hat. My first inquiries are around form and function. Lately, the bucket hat has been a popular choice. The style has transcended time. Most people wear it effortlessly, whether it’s dressed up or worn casually.
Where and when one envisions wearing the hat helps narrow down fabric choices. That being said, most people are aware of what they like and what looks good on them. I offer an array of fabric samples to select from. But I’m also happy to personalize a look with a shopping expedition to select a fabric, lining, and trim. An accurate head measurement is essential to ensure a proper fitting and comfortable topper.
In the hat featured, my discerning customer had already decided that she wanted a structured bucket hat with a brim longer at the front than the back. She wanted a hat with colours that would complement her cool weather jackets and coats. Looking at the fabric samples, she was immediately drawn to the colour combinations and scale of the blue plaid and its linen/cotton texture. I chose a soft, almost silky, blue fabric called Cupro (made from recycled cotton linter) to line the hat. A heavy buckram interfacing gives the brim enough stiffness to “sit on her desk” at work. I gave my customer a choice of no trim, a self-fabric band cut on the diagonal, or millinery grosgrain ribbon in navy or black. As the bucket was nearing completion, we both decided to leave the brim free of multiple lines of topstitching. Here it is, ready for wearing on crisp autumn days.
Hats by Tracy J 